Having considered the circumstances mentioned in your letters, which I received on my arrival, I have left the ship and cargo at Sandy Hook, for their safety. Have now waited on you with a tender of the cargo of tea shipped by the Hon'ble East India Company, and consigned to you. I am therefore ready to deliver the said cargo according to the bill of lading.
I am, &c.,
Benjamin Lockyer.
Messrs. White, Lott & Booth.
New York, April 20, 1774.
Sir:
We have received your letter of this date, tendering to us the cargo of tea shipped on board the Nancy, under your command, by the Hon'ble East India Company, to our address, in reply to which we have only to observe that we some time ago acquainted the Hon'ble Court of Directors how violently opposed the inhabitants in general were to the landing or vending the tea in this Colony, while subject to the American duty, and that any attempts in us, either to effect one or the other would not only be fruitless, but expose so considerable a property to inevitable destruction. Under these circumstances it would be highly imprudent in us to take any steps to receive your cargo, and therefore we cannot take charge of the same, or any part thereof, under our case. We are, sir,
Your most obedt servts,
Henry White.
Abrm Lott & Co.
Pigou & Booth.
Capt. Benjn Lockyer.